2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change: A Complete DIY Guide by a Master Tech

If you own a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I’ll bet the dealership quoted you $120 for an oil change. That’s not highway robbery — it’s labor and markup — but you can do this job yourself in about an hour for under $50. I’ve seen too many owners skip this task and end up with sludge buildup or a warranty hassle. Here’s how to do it safely and right.

Safety First: Always work on a level surface. Use jack stands rated for the vehicle’s weight — never rely on a jack alone. Let the engine cool for at least 20 minutes after a drive to avoid burns from hot oil or exhaust components.

Tools and Supplies for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change

Before you crawl under the SUV, gather everything. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee uses SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec. You’ll need a 5-quart jug (plus an extra quart if your engine is the 5.7L V8). A high-quality oil filter — I recommend the OEM Mopar or a premium Wix — is essential aftermarket filters sometimes lack the bypass pressure rating. Other tools: 15mm socket for the drain plug, a 3/8-inch ratchet and extension, a torque wrench (25 lb-ft range), an oil filter wrench (cap style fits the plastic housing), a drain pan, and a funnel. Also grab nitrile gloves and rags.

Step-by-Step Oil Change Procedure for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Let’s walk through this. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a plastic oil filter housing at the front of the engine, accessible from above. The drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan. Here’s the sequence:

1. Warm up the engine briefly. Run it for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster and carries more contaminants. But don’t get it hot — you want it warm to the touch, not scalding.

1. Remove the oil fill cap. This helps the oil drain smoothly. Set the cap on a clean rag.

1. Jack up the vehicle if needed. On a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you can usually reach the drain plug without lifting because it sits high. But if you need more clearance, use ramps or jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.

1. Drain the oil. Place the drain pan under the plug. Use a 15mm socket to loosen the drain plug — turn counterclockwise. Let all the oil flow out. While it drains, inspect the plug seal; replace if flat or cracked. Wipe the plug clean. Torque it to 25 lb-ft when reinstalling. Yes, that spec matters — over-tightening can strip the pan.

1. Remove and replace the oil filter. The filter housing is on top of the engine. Use the cap-style filter wrench to unscrew it. Pull the whole assembly out — the old filter stays inside. Discard the old filter and replace the O-rings on the housing cap (comes with the new filter). Install the new filter into the housing, wet the O-rings with fresh oil, and hand-tighten the cap. Torque to 18 lb-ft (check your manual; some variants are 20).

1. Add new oil. Lower the vehicle (if raised) and pour in about 5.5 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic. Check the dipstick after adding, then start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds. Shut off, wait 2 minutes, and recheck the level. Top off to the full mark.

1. Reset the oil life monitor. On the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, turn the ignition to RUN without starting the engine. Press the gas pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds. The display should show “Oil life 100%”. If not, consult the owner’s manual.

Why the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Needs Specific Oil

This is where I see mistakes. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee requires full synthetic 0W-20 oil to maintain its fuel economy and meet emission standards. Using conventional oil or a different viscosity can cause increased engine wear, especially in cold starts. Also, the filter must be the correct type — the plastic housing uses a cartridge filter, not a spin-on. I’ve had customers bring in their Grand Cherokee after a quick-lube place installed a spin-on adaptor and caused an oil leak. Don’t let that happen to you. Stick to OEM or premium aftermarket filters designed for this platform.

When to Call a Pro

You can do this oil change with basic tools. But if your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the air suspension (available on Overland and Summit trims), jacking it up requires setting the suspension to “Entry/Exit” mode first — it’s in the infotainment settings. If you don’t do that, you risk damaging the air springs. Also, if you’re not comfortable working under a vehicle, or if you see oil leaks beyond the drain plug area (valve cover gaskets or oil cooler lines are known to weep on some 2023 models), take it to a shop. Safety first.

Here’s what I see go wrong most often: people reuse the drain plug crush washer. On the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that washer is a one-time-use aluminum gasket. Replace it every oil change — they’re cheap, and a leak from a crushed washer ruins your driveway and wastes oil. Order a pack of five from the dealer or online for under $10.

Final Thoughts

Changing the oil on your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do. It saves you $70 per change and gives you peace of mind that it was done right. Torque to spec — and yes, the spec matters. You can do this. Here’s the safe, right way.